Best Movers Near Charleston, SC (2025 Guide)

Quick answer: We reviewed 52 movers across South Carolina, and Smooth Move Charleston takes the top spot for local moves in Charleston, SC. They impressed us with their fair prices, extensive service menu, and fantastic feedback from customers. Planning a move out of state from Charleston? Go with Safeway Moving. They’re known for dependable service and budget-friendly prices.

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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in Charleston, SC

If you’re moving within Charleston or heading to a nearby South Carolina town like James Island or Sullivan's Island, within 50 miles, these local movers should be on your radar. They excel at offering reliable service and low prices.

https://www.facebook.com/smoothmovecharleston/, https://twitter.com/gosmoothmove?lang=en
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Smooth Move Charleston means you'll likely be impressed. Out of 270 customer inputs, 94% praised the company for efficient service, professional staff, careful handling of possessions, clear communication, and a smooth moving process. Multiple people noted easy scheduling, as well as fast, cautious crews that often finished under budget and with no surprises.
Customers described their moves as stress-free with property and valuables respected throughout. Hardworking, fast-moving teams and personable attitudes have made these movers stand out when compared to others in the industry. Negative input made up just 5%, with issues concentrated around property damage, unprofessional conduct, or communication gaps. These incidents involved broken or lost items and inconsistent follow-up, which customers found frustrating. Overall, most people felt their belongings were handled safely and the staff was knowledgeable and courteous. Few companies in Charleston earn the consistent, high marks for reliability and skill Smooth Move Charleston receives from its customers.
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Get a Quote (843) 860-9717

Company Info

State license #: 9823

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2357653

Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySonsCharleston/, https://twitter.com/AllMySonsMoving
62% of all reviews were positive
38% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Strong word of mouth powers All My Sons Moving & Storage, with 62% of customer input praising the team's efficiency, careful handling, professional attitude, and quick pace. Clients frequently mention courteous crews and movers who ensure belongings arrive undamaged—qualities that set them apart from many competitors. On the downside, 38% warn of damages to items, extra or unexpected charges, and poor communication, including unresolved complaints and higher-than-quoted bills.
Two reviews report slow or inconsistent follow-up on damages and pricing disputes—much more critical than what customers typically see from rivals. The broad review base of 346 entries gives a clear picture: All My Sons is recognized for reliable, fast work, but also criticized for lapses in property care and billing transparency.
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Get a Quote (843) 202-4860

Company Info

State license #: 9792-B

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/LowCountryMoving/,
90% of all reviews were positive
10% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Low Country Moving, LLC receives high praise from most customers, with 233 out of 260 feedback entries (nearly 90%) recommending their services. Clients consistently report efficient and quick service, professional and courteous staff, careful handling of items, and solid communication. Many say booking is easy and pricing is straightforward, noting experiences that are smoother than with larger national firms.
On the downside, some report instances of damaged items, especially when furniture is not packed as securely as expected. There are also complaints about poor packing quality and communication breakdowns when resolving claims. Compared to other movers, this company stands out for its speed, reliability, and professional attitude, though attention to packing details is vital for higher-value items. Persistent issues around item care and follow-up detract from an otherwise stellar reputation.
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Get a Quote (843) 737-1279

Company Info

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2362770


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
https://www.facebook.com/CougarMovingCo,
89% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers describe Cougar Moving as a moving company that consistently delivers fast, careful, and affordable service, with nearly nine out of ten reviewers sharing very favorable feedback out of 132 responses analyzed. Clients frequently highlight the team’s efficiency, professionalism, and skill in handling belongings safely, appreciating the affordable rates and responsiveness through the booking process. Many reviewers note punctuality and a friendly, positive attitude among staff, promptly addressing client needs throughout the move.
Although most feedback speaks highly of careful handling, some clients experienced damaged items or property, with dissatisfaction directed at slow complaint resolution and, in isolated cases, perceived unprofessional behavior. Communication breakdowns and lack of follow-through on repairs emerged in the few negative comments. Cougar Moving earns stronger praise for reliable, value-driven local moves compared to typical competitors, though future clients should still inquire about damage protection and response times for claims. Nearly 90% of customer input recommends Cougar Moving for those seeking an attentive, efficient moving service at a competitive price point.
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Get a Quote (843) 608-1835

Company Info

Pricing: $124/hr

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2868021


Services Offered

https://www.facebook.com/collegehunkscharlestonsc/, https://twitter.com/CollegeHunks
46% of all reviews were positive
52% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day stories pour in for College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, with 323 customer inputs analyzed here. About 46% of feedback is positive, praising efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, fast-moving teams, and clear communication. Many customers describe prompt service, courteous crews, and movers who treat belongings with respect and operate swiftly.
On the other hand, 52% of reviews report damaged items, poor communication, or delays. Recurring complaints detail furniture and walls scratched or broken, no response to damage claims, and movers arriving hours late with little notice. Some experience unreliability in scheduling and disappointed follow-up. Compared to other movers, College Hunks’ strong points include efficiency and friendly staff, but incidents of property damage and lack of accountability appear more common here than average. Shoppers seeking careful, timely service should confirm details in advance, as outcomes can differ widely.
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Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

DOT #: 2378173


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Top-rated movers in nearby citiestoggle

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Best movers for those moving out of South Carolina

Getting ready for a move to a new state? You’ll want a moving company that’s federally licensed and meets all the requirements for interstate moves. For a smooth, stress-free relocation from Charleston, SC, take a look at these top-rated interstate moving companies.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841

Best moving containers in Charleston, SC

Moving containers give you a flexible, middle-ground option between hiring full-service movers and renting a truck. You handle the packing and unpacking yourself, but a professional driver takes care of transporting your stuff — something you won’t get with a rental truck.

Container pricing in Charleston depends on the number of containers you need and the distance of your move. To find the best deal, get quotes from several moving companies and compare both prices and services.

Kick off your search with these top-rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Best rental trucks for your Charleston, SC move

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Charleston, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in South Carolina costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.

While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.

We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Labor-only movers in Charleston, SC

If you’re renting a moving truck or container but need some muscle for the heavy work, bringing in a labor-only moving company is the way to go. They’ll take care of the loading and unloading for you, and you can also get help with packing, taking furniture apart and putting it back together, or even setting up electronics and gym gear.

Check out our favorite labor-only movers in Charleston:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 12
  • Yelp: 3.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.36 / 5
  • Years in Business: 13
  • Yelp: 4.1 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.12 / 5
  • Years in Business: 14
  • Yelp: 4.5 / 5
  • BBB: A+

How we chose the best movers in Charlestontoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 33 South Carolina movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How do I find a reputable Charleston mover?

When looking for the best movers in Charleston, make sure to watch for these important features:

  • A good reputation: Whether you’re eyeing a reliable family-owned mover in Charleston or thinking about one of the leading national van lines in South Carolina, reputation matters. Keep an eye out for red flags and watch for common moving scams to ensure your move goes smoothly.
  • Look into dispute resolution: Every moving company faces challenges at times, but what really matters is how they handle them. If you see a mover in Charleston repeatedly ignoring issues or dismissing complaints, it’s a clear sign to steer clear and find someone who values your concerns.
  • Ensure experience aligns with your move: Just because a moving company has rave local reviews in Charleston doesn’t mean they’re the right choice for a long-distance move. Make sure you go with a mover that’s proven they can handle the specific type of relocation you need.
  • Get multiple estimates: You can count on Charleston movers for free estimates—so why not use them? Be sure to get quotes from several companies to compare prices and snag the best deal for your move.

Every Charleston moving company featured here has been carefully selected by the moveBuddha team for their top-notch service and dependability.

Looking to move anywhere in the state? Take a look at our picks for the top moving companies in South Carolina.

Average cost of movers in Charleston, South Carolina

Check out the table below for estimated local moving rates in and around Charleston. Want a deeper dive into moving expenses? Head over to our full guide on moving costs in South Carolina.

These are only average price ranges — what you actually pay can vary a lot based on the details of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.

Local moving costs in Charleston

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Charleston, it’s considered a local move. Renting a truck will typically cost you a base fee of $19 to $39, plus an extra $0.69 to $0.99 per mile.

Looking for moving help? In Charleston, you can hire professional movers for as little as $134 an hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $490 $188 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $678 $188 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,091 $263 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,510 $368 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,878 $368 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,422 $515 5 movers 10 hours

Interstate moving costs out of Charleston

The cost to move from Charleston to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from South Carolina. Here are a few examples:

Factors that affect the cost of your move

  • Distance: How much you’ll spend to move in Charleston mostly comes down to how far you’re going. Local moves within 50 miles of Charleston are typically much cheaper than hauling your stuff 450 miles across South Carolina.
  • Move size: The more stuff you bring, the more you’ll pay—bigger loads mean bigger trucks and higher prices. If you’re moving out of Charleston on a long-distance or interstate adventure, movers will usually base your price on the weight and size of your shipment. Looking to save some money? Check out our tips on decluttering and downsizing to reduce your load and cut your costs.
  • Moving method: Full-service movers are usually the priciest option, while renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure to consider what you actually need — cutting costs isn’t worth it if you end up without the help and support your move requires.
  • Additional services: No matter which type of move you go with, be prepared for additional charges if you need things like packing services, heavy lifting assistance, or comprehensive insurance.
  • The time of the year: Moving from May to September — peak moving season — often means paying more and dealing with limited options. If possible, try to move between October and April for better prices and availability.

FAQs

Will I need a parking permit for local moves in Charleston?toggle

Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts

To learn about parking permits in Charleston, check out your local DOT website.

What are some ways to cut costs when hiring a Charleston moving company?toggle

If you want to save on your Charleston move, try scheduling it outside the busiest season, which runs from May to September. Picking a weekday between October and April can give you the best rates. You can also cut costs by negotiating with your moving company and asking about any special discounts or deals you might qualify for.

Do moving companies in Charleston provide storage services?toggle

Absolutely! Most movers in Charleston provide both short- and long-term storage solutions. Some companies have their own storage facilities, while others team up with third-party warehouses. Be sure to ask about a mover’s storage options and get a quote for any extra costs.

If your Charleston moving company doesn’t provide storage—or if you need extra services—contact at least three of the best self-storage companies to compare options. Be sure to check out self-storage prices before making your decision.

Read our guide to decide if you should use your mover's storage solutions.

Is there a list of all movers in South Carolina?toggle

Discover all your moving options in South Carolina by browsing our full directory of South Carolina moving companies.

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